Panasonic pushed the boundaries of plasma technology last year with the VT25 series, bringing it to new heights of video quality while fully supporting last year's newly adopted 3D standards. This year, while backing both Plasma and LCD/LED-technology 3D HDTV, they are certainly still coming on strong in plasma, with a total of a dozen new models, up from eight in 2010.
According to Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic, Merchandising, "The choice of which technology to purchase depends on a number of factors, including viewing environment and viewing choices. The consumer now has a choice of buying a Full HD 3D TV, whether Plasma or LCD/LED. Furthermore, as a majority of reviewers pointed out, Panasonic's 3D HDTVs also produce superior 2D pictures."
Building upon the success of the critically acclaimed VT25 (including a "Best in Show" award at last year's CES and a BIGGIE Award from Big Picture Big Sound), Panasonic is introducing three new lines of 3D-capable full HD plasma TVs including two new screen sizes for 2011.
The newly-introduced top-of-the-line VIERA VT30 Series arrives in two models, the 65-inch class (64.7" measured diagonally) TC-P65VT30 and the 55-inch class (55.1" measured diagonally, new for 2011) TC-P55VT30. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the VT30 models is their one-sheet glass design, for a sleek look. Beyond 3D TV/Blu-ray 3D viewing, the VT30 of VIERAs offer high definition Skype Video calling (with optional webcam), Wi-Fi support via an adapter; the 3D VIERA Image Viewer for stills and videos, VIERA Link and the VIERA Connect service. VIERA Connect is the handle for Panasonic's newly enhanced IPTV functionality package, which has grown to provide CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Napster, Facebook, MLB.TV, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center in addition to old standards such as Netflix, Amazon VOD and Pandora.
Assuring exceptional performance, the VT30 Series carries (tentative) THX certification, supporting 24p playback with 600Hz Sub-field driving--which produces 1080 lines of moving picture resolution--plus fast-switching phosphors and the Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel. This new and improved Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel raises the luminous efficiency while minimizing pre-discharge, resulting in even subtler blacks over last year's panel, in both dark and bright environments.
It packs four HDMI ports, a PC input, three USB Ports; a RS232C/ISF connection and is DLNA-compliant. One pair of Full HD 3D eyewear is included with each model, with more available ala carte or in Panasonic's Ultimate 3D Starter Kit.
The VIERA GT30 Series, also new for 2011, features four models: the 65-inch class TC-P65GT30; the 60-inch class (60.1" measured diagonally, also new for 2011) TC-P60GT30, the 55-inch class TC-P55GT30, and the 50-inch class (49.9" measured diagonally) TC-P50GT30.
The THX-certified, DLNA-compliant GT30 Series comes equipped with the Infinite Black 2 Panel, fast-switching phosphors and 600Hz Sub-field Drive. Connectivity is strong here as well, with VIERA Connect, 3D VIERA Image Viewer (for JPEG 2D digital stills, 3D stills and both 2D/3D HD video on an SD card), VIERA Link plus Wi-Fi (via one of the three USB ports) and Skype Video calling. There's also a PC input and four HDMI ports.
The VIERA ST30 Series represents the entry level for 3D Plasma, with screen sizes ranging from 42 to 65 inches. This series is made up of the 65-inch class TC-P65ST30, 60-inch class TC-P60ST30, 55-inch class TC-P55ST30, 50-inch class (49.9" measured diagonally) TC-P50ST30, 46-inch TC-P46ST30 and the 42-inch class (41.6"measured diagonally) TC-P42ST30. Here again we're given the Infinite Black 2 Panel, fast-switching phosphors, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Connect, VIERA Link, 3D VIERA Image Viewer, Wi-Fi support, Skype Video, and DLNA compliance. We lose a USB port and an HDMI port versus the fancier series, but all of the 2011 models meet Energy Star 4.2 standards.
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